Interprofessional communication in the ambulatory health sector in Germany: a multi-perspective cross-sectional study (interprof HOME)

Abstract

Comprehensible interprofessional (IP) communication is a key element for effective collaboration. Focussing on person-centeredness in healthcare, healthcare providers such as registered nurses (RN), general practitioners (GP), and therapists (TH) should ensure transparency in patient-related information to promote safety and satisfaction. In Germany, IP communication is challenging, especially in home care. This survey constitutes the quantitative sub-study of the mixed-methods study interprof HOME and aims to describe the situation of IP communication focussing on the home care setting. We surveyed RNs, GPs, THs, persons receiving home care (PRHC) and relatives (RL) in Germany. Data were analyzed descriptively. 244 participants (PRHC/RL n = 38; RN n = 75; GP n = 39; TH n = 92) took part in the survey (response rates: RN: 12%; GP: 6%; TH: 28%; response rate from PRHC/RL not determinable due to indirect recruitment). Results show that PRHC/RLs are dissatisfied (45%) with the collaboration between RNs and GPs and feel their efforts only seldom served their well-being (50%). Interventions to promote IP communication favored by RNs, GPs and THs included interprofessional case conferences or joint home visits. Overall, healthcare providers are open for improvement. Nevertheless, they are critical for the implementation of the interventions, e.g. due to lack of time resources.

Keywords: Cross-sectional study; home care; interprofessional collaboration; interprofessional communication; outpatients; survey.